Leeds United have a chance to enact an accomplishment for the first time in a generation next month
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
12:09, 17 Feb 2026
It could be a full circle moment for Daniel Farke in more ways than one
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It could be a full circle moment for Daniel Farke in more ways than one(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Leeds United have been handed a golden opportunity to reach a significant milestone for the first time in a generation.
Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win over Birmingham City means Leeds have now reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the third time in four seasons - yet they have not progressed to the last eight of the competition since 2003.
That meeting 23 years ago against Sheffield United cost Terry Venables his job with Leeds still yet to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup since 1987. Times have changed drastically since their last quarter-final tie but Leeds find themselves in a much better place than they once were.
The Whites are Premier League once again and are backed to avoid the drop, sitting six points above the bottom three with 12 games to go. Daniel Farke has underlined how the quest to stay up is the number one priority this season.
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Yet he is allowing fans to dream, stating he wishes to do “something special” at Elland Road. The fact is, Leeds are two wins away from a trip to Wembley - and they have a very good chance of being within touching distance.
Farke will face up against his old club Norwich City at Elland Road next month as Leeds look to end their 23-year last-eight hoodoo.
The last time these two teams met in the FA Cup was back in 1977, when Leeds ran out 5-2 victors in a third round replay. Across their six meetings, Leeds have won two with just one defeat.
United have actually not lost to Norwich across all competitions since February 2019 - some eight meetings ago - when Farke was in charge of the Canaries. Norwich are on a good run of form under new boss Philippe Clement, who has won 11 of his 19 games in charge since his November appointment.
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They play Birmingham City, League One bound Sheffield Wednesday and relegation-threatened Leicester City in the three matches before the trip to Leeds, so have the opportunity to continue their momentum.
Norwich last reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup under Farke in the 2019/20 season - the only time they have done so in 33 years. For Leeds, they have reached the last eight just once in the past 28 years.
So both will be champing at the bit to progress, yet Leeds are undoubtedly the favourites. Farke has said he likes a cup run, the “football romantic” that he is. Leeds’ cup dreams are very much still present.